This video shows part 1 of a delightful duet called “Faun” choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. The dancers are James O’Hara and Daisy Phillips who are dancers in Cherkaoui’s company. The music is by Debussy.
This piece was commissioned to be presented at the “In the Spirit of Diaghilev” festival. The dance is to celebrate and honor Vaslav Nijinsky’s infamous ballet “L’Apres de Midis de Faun”. Diaghilev was Nijinsky’s mentor who supported him in the creation of his ballet. At the time it was considered to be outrageous and shocking and caused riots amongst the audiences due to the highly sexual overtones through out the piece and in particular the fornication imagery at the end of the dance.
In this piece Cherkaoui is interpreting the dance of the Faun in his own way, presenting the Faun as more of universal kind of mythical being of half human and half beast in essence. Like Nijinsky he creates a Faun that is innocent, playful, and curious and sexually awakening. But his movement language is worlds apart as the contemporary dance of today is far more liberated, free and open than it was in Nijinsky’s day.
This piece is poetry in motion. The décor is beautiful and the dancers are wonderful, especially James O’Hara. He captures the essence of the wild, innocent, playful and sexually awakening Faun superbly. His wild hair with his innocent and unfettered physicality is brilliant. The pair move together in such a sensual, poetic and playful way that is a delight to watch.
The only distraction to me is the womans costume. I would love to see her wear something more complementary to her build and character. Other wise I can appreciate she is a fine dancer and brings a great deal to the piece.
This is a dance worth the time to watch. I would just love to see them live and take workshops from both dancers!
*** To see an the interview with the choreographer and dancers! Click Here.
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This video is part 1 so be sure to check out Faun Part-2 Click Here.
I hope you enjoy this piece and please feel free to post your impressions and Share it with your friends!
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